Aaron's, Inc. to Donate Solar-Powered Electric Systems to Haiti Relief Efforts

ATLANTA, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) will donate two solar-powered electric systems, arriving in Haiti today and valued at $100,000, in support of Haiti relief efforts through ACORP, Aaron's Community Outreach Program.  Through ACORP, Aaron's associates have donated thousands of hours of associate time to community service projects in more than 1,700 cities across the U.S. and $6.8 million in goods and services donations.  

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090423/CL03821LOGO)

The solar-powered systems, designed by Sundance Solar Designs, LLC, will provide enough power to sustain two medical centers and 34 treatment tents. According to Spencer Smith, the Aaron's franchise owner heading up the project with Sundance Solar, the lack of fuel to run generators in Haiti already has created a significant issue for medical professionals trying to administer treatment.  Smith, a franchise owner of 21 Aaron's stores, and his employees, donated $50,000 while Aaron's, Inc. corporately donated an additional $50,000 through the ACORP program.  

"American companies and individuals have offered support to Haiti on a massive scale, and Aaron's is proud to be a part of that effort," said Ken Butler, Aaron's, Inc. Chief Operating Officer. "However, it was important that Aaron's not just write a check, but give in a way that would create immediate impact. With these generators, thousands will receive critical medical treatment that we hope will make a life-saving difference for many Haitians."

Sundance Solar Designs will donate their time, expertise, and purchase of the equipment as well as personally delivering and installing the systems in Haiti.  Sundance Solar Design's support team will arrive in Haiti today to ensure the generators are installed successfully. In addition to the solar panels that power the invertors and battery banks, Sundance Solar will bring the lighting fixtures and refrigeration units.

"With the donation of these solar-powered systems, we are addressing a specific and immediate need," Spencer Smith said. "Without the fuel to run their generators, medical staff is forced to stop operating with the absence of light after the sun goes down. These unique solar-powered systems are self-sustaining and will not only provide lighting 24/7 for two full medical centers, doubling the hours available to treat patients, but will also run the refrigeration units containing life-saving medical supplies."

About Aaron's, Inc.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,695 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aaronsinc.com.

Sundance Solar Designs, LLC.

Sundance Solar Designs, LLC. offers complete sustainable architecture and renewable energy systems design, consulting, sales and installation. Our experience ranges from large scale municipal solar power plants design and feasibility studies to sustainable home design. For more information, visit www.sundancesolardesigns.com.

SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.